Walter Zenga has condemned the vandalism of a mural honouring Franco Baresi outside Casa Milan, saying the attack insulted the history of Italian football rather than only Milan and their supporters.
The former Inter goalkeeper, writing on Instagram in response to a report by Gazzetta dello Sport, described Baresi as both a rival and a team-mate for Italy, as well as a captain who had brought dignity to the national game.
“Franco Baresi was an opponent, a team-mate for the national side, a captain and above all a man who gave dignity to Italian football,” Zenga wrote.
“Defacing his image doesn’t only offend Milan or their fans. It offends the history of our football and everyone who still knows what the word respect means.
“Whoever did this represents no set of supporters. They represent only themselves and their own wretchedness. Shirts divide. Respect must unite us. Always. Franco is untouchable.”
The mural was painted by artist Lucas.streetart following Baresi’s death on 31 July at the age of 66. Red paint was sprayed over the former defender’s face on Sunday evening, also obscuring the shirt sponsor, the artist’s signature and the words “You’ll never walk alone”.
Milan have begun investigating the incident and hope CCTV footage from the surrounding area will help identify those responsible. The vandalised image was initially shared by Milan city councillor Alessandro Giungi.
The incident is the latest in a series of controversies involving tributes to former Italian football greats. During Juventus vs Atalanta before the international break, a tribute to Sandro Mazzola was also disrespected.
Those episodes have led to broader criticism of behaviour in Italian stadiums, with the sentiment summed up by the remark: “This generation has no respect. Probably another Juventus ultra.”
Zenga’s intervention comes from a figure who played for Inter while Baresi was a central figure at Milan, but who also represented Italy alongside him. His message focused on respect between clubs and supporters, arguing that historic figures should remain beyond such rivalries.
